Ex-PDP Legal Adviser Settles Rift With Akpabio, Joins APC

<em>L-R: Umo Eno, Akwa Ibom governor; Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Emmanuel Enoidem</em>

Mr. Emmanuel Enoidem, immediate past national legal adviser of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has mended fences with Senate President Godswill Akpabio and joined the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Pastor Umo Eno, governor of Akwa Ibom, led a delegation of political stakeholders to formally inform Akpabio of Enoidem’s decision.

Akpabio commended Eno for promoting political unity in Akwa Ibom, saying it would drive development in the state.

Enoidem served as commissioner for eight years during Akpabio’s stint as governor of Akwa Ibom.

He later served as national legal adviser of the PDP.

Enoidem also contested against Akpabio in the last senatorial election for Akwa Ibom north-west senatorial district.

Receiving the delegation at his residence in Uyo, Akpabio stated that no sacrifice was too great to ensure peace and unity in the state.

A statement by Anietie Ekong, special assistant on media and communication to the Senate President, quoted Akpabio as saying: “Many would think that you have wasted your energy and your time fishing for your children wherever they are.

“You are quenching the fire before the fire starts. All you want is peace, and if Akwa Ibom cannot remember you for anything else they will remember you as a true man of peace.”

He recalled the violence during his second-term campaign, saying peace-building efforts should not be underestimated.

“I am not a pastor but the Bible says, ‘when the righteous is on the throne, the people rejoice’,” he said.

Speaking earlier, Eno said the delegation came to inform Akpabio of Enoidem’s decision to join the APC.

“This is someone you have known,” the governor said. “There are people that their stories will not be complete without you.”

Eno said political stakeholders had agreed to support President Bola Tinubu for a second term and Akpabio’s return to the Senate Presidency.

“Today we are walking the talk that we are Akwa Ibom United and we can all work together,” he said.

Also speaking, Enoidem described Eno as a “great unifier”.

“Your Excellency, I want to thank you for connecting me back to my former boss,” Enoidem said.

“We may have had political disagreements, but Senator Akpabio has remained my boss.”

Enoidem said he had already committed to working for Akpabio’s return to the senate.

He is expected to be formally received into the APC at a rally in Utu Etim Ekpo, Etim Ekpo LGA, on Friday.